Builds 1977 FJ40 - USA Spec Restoration - Father & Son Project - AKA "Belle" (2 Viewers)

[ToyotaMatt]

Toyota Riveted the Frames together for most part & only Stitched welded certain locations like shackle mount perches for example

this would point to and suggest a Flexible Frame Design by Toyota on a Limited Level




anyone else have input on this for @Vexvader

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Toyota Riveted the Frames together for most part & only Stitched welded certain locations like shackle mount perches for example this would point to and suggest a Flexible Frame Design by Toyota on a Limited Level

anyone else have input on this for @Vexvader

Most of the old muscle cars were riveted as well. My last project was a 1967 Chevy C10. All of the cross-members were riveted together by Chevrolet during assembly. I think was to save time and money. An old hot-rod trick was to weld all the seams where the cross-members and frame met. This would help to "stiffen up" the frame and suspension and help it handle better.

I am new the 4x4 community. I would assume you want a 4x4 frame to flex and not be stiff, but when I saw that there were several "frame stiffener" kits available, that puzzled me???

FJ40 Frame Boxing Kit

Have any of you guys install these? Or boxed your frames?

Thanks,

Matthew

 

[thorslc1977]

Vexvader I am so sorry i did not get pics for you. Went home Friday from work with a 102 fever Feel better now. Do you still need pics? Offer still stands. I have kept my rig stock. Let me know what you need. Again I apologize.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Vexvader I am so sorry i did not get pics for you. Went home Friday from work with a 102 fever Feel better now. Do you still need pics? Offer still stands. I have kept my rig stock. Let me know what you need. Again I apologize.

No worries at all. I am glad you are feeling better!!

Another member sent me this pics. I think is for the 1/2 door that has two hinges on the tub. The ambulance door has one hinge on the tub.

Does yours have this bracket for the lower hinge on the tub?

 

[thorslc1977]

Yes it does. Both sides are the same. View media item 77955View media item 77954View media item 77953

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Yes it does. Both sides are the same. View media item 77955View media item 77954View media item 77953

Thanks

The pics did not post... when I click on them it says "error".

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

I didn't get anything done on the FJ40 today because I poured a 5x5 slab coming out of my basement. 18 x 60 lbs bags of quickcrete... needless to say, I am beat !

 

[JohnBoy]

Pluses IMO :

- Front Disc Brakes

- 2F engine

- 4 speed (H42 assuming ) so u have a synchronized first gear

- hard top has Flip Out rear windows

- the best part is u will have hours of Family Father Son Time ahead ...............

I love those old assembly line photographs. Thanks for posting up.


View attachment 1837594

I love those old factory

 

[thorslc1977]

I will see what went wrong and re-send this afternoon

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

I am still thinking about he boxing kit, but I am pretty sure I will do this mod while I have the body off ...

Recommendations for a reputable shop to do frame repair - East Valley?

 

[njccmd2002]

Where are you taking your frame to be cleaned?

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Where are you taking your frame to be cleaned?

My buddy who has a 1980 FJ40 just got his frame back last week from a guy in Gainesville GA. It was sandblasted and painted and looks great. He is affordable and does good work. I can PM you the contact info it you would like.

 

[TCEd]

'77 Blue.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

'77 Blue.

AWESOME!!!!

Thank you TECd! I love it! I hope mine will be there soon!!!

Matthew

 

[yotadude520]

Sky Blue is definitely the color to paint it. My favorite color of all the FJ's for sure.

Cool project and build, I'll be keeping tabs on this one!

 

[njccmd2002]

My buddy who has a 1980 FJ40 just got his frame back last week from a guy in Gainesville GA. It was sandblasted and painted and looks great. He is affordable and does good work. I can PM you the contact info it you would like.

i was thinking more of dipping it, unfortunately for mine, it has to be split open to be blasted, since i have rust in the seams. but thanks.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

It looks like my "Father Son" project has turned into a "Father, son, and Daughter" project. Hahaha!!!

That is totally fine with me! She is a hard worker!!!

Done today:

* Getting the frame ready to be blasted and painted
- Took off the steering box
- Took off the motor mounts
- Pulled the motor, trans, and transfer case
- Pulled out the back braces that are rusted beyond repair (Still trying to find new ones)
- Took off the bump stops
- Took off a dozen random bolts and brackets

Here are few pics... I will post some more ASAP

 

[JDNs78FJ40]

Thanks! I too have done a couple classic cars and I have always wanted a FJ40.

My advice to anyone wanting to do something like this is "do it"!! If you need help finding one, post a wanted add. You will get lots of good advice, meet some awesome people, and get some great leads on a project.

Feel free to PM if there is anything I can do to help!!

Matthew

Definitely following this. I bought 78 back in FEB 2018 and have completed a few things, but have made the decision to tear down and go from the frame up.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Definitely following this. I bought 78 back in FEB 2018 and have completed a few things, but have made the decision to tear down and go from the frame up.

JDN,

Welcome to the forum! Feel free to PM me if there is anything I can do to help!!!

MM

 

[John in Utah]

I am still thinking about he boxing kit, but I am pretty sure I will do this mod while I have the body off ...

Recommendations for a reputable shop to do frame repair - East Valley?

View attachment 1842407

View attachment 1842408

View attachment 1842409

Curious what’s motivating you to reinforce the frame? Lots of debate around this in the 4x4 community but I can’t imagine it would be necessary on a stock 40?

Definitely following this. I bought 78 back in FEB 2018 and have completed a few things, but have made the decision to tear down and go from the frame up.

Welcome neighbor. Let me know if you ever need a hand. If you’re not already familiar cruiser outfitters is a great local source for parts.